John Benny Rhynes

Edgefield, SC - Funeral Services for Mr. John Rhynes will be held 3:00pm Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Springfield Baptist Church, 2411 US Highway 25 N, Edgefield, SC, 29824. The Rev. C. Moses Myers is the Pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be 11:00am - 5:00pm Friday.

John was born to the late Joseph Rhynes and Claudine P. Rhynes in Edgefield, SC.

He joined Springfield Missionary Baptist Church at an early age where he served as a Trustee.

He attended Strom Thurmond High and was employed at Shaw Industries Aiken Plant 78 for over 25 years. He was an avid San Franciso 49ers fan. He enjoyed fishing, listening to old school music, grilling and spending time with his family and friends.

He was married on July 22, 1995, to Denice Moore Rhynes. To this union three sons were born: Terrell J. Rhynes, Montrell J. Rhynes, and John B. Rhynes, Jr.

He is also survived by six siblings Joseph (Dorothy) Rhynes, Wanda (Ronald) Mason, LaShora Boyd, Claudine (Leonard) Gray, Lula (Aurthur) Gaulden, and a special sister, his donor, Pamela (Leroy) Anderson. Brother-in-laws Willie Moore, Jr., Henry Moore, Ronnie Moore, Dennis (Tiffany) Moore, Fredrick Moore, Joseph (Machelle) Moore, Ronnie Bulter, Ricky Bulter, and Micheal Bulter. Sisters-in-law Daisy Brunson, Lizzie Turner, Mary (James) Jones, and Esther Moore, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Minister George Williams, Jr. "Gee"

Edgefield, SC - Funeral Services for Minister George Williams (Gee) will be held 2:00PM Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Old Macedonia Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC. Interment will follow in the Simmon Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.

George Williams, Jr. was born October 8, 1997 in Greenwood, South Carolina to his Mother, Diane Johnson, and Father, George Williams, Sr. He departed this earthly life on Monday, December 9, 2024 at his home in Edgefield, South Carolina, under Hospice Care and began his eternal life.

Minister “Gee” was a beloved Husband, Father, Son, Uncle, Chef, Friend, but most importantly a Man of God. George had a love and a passion for loving and feeding the people. He was loved by many and known to be a dedicated member to his church, group, and his ministry. He served as a faithful Elder of the church, choir member and leader of his group.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to his wife Sajada Williams, in the union they birthed a beautiful baby girl “Amaria Jade Williams” (pepa). He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sarah Williams, Bobby Williams, and Johnny Tillman. 

He leaves behind his wife Sajada Williams, Daughter Amaria Williams; Parents Diane Johnson (Louis), George Williams Sr. (Wanda), Grandmother Mary Rouse; 

Siblings: Jennifer Tolen (Deric), Letitia Williams- Johnson(Jarmal), Jayleen Williams, Ashanti Williams, Jada Williams 

Aunts: Barbara Harris( Leonard)
Uncles: Michael Williams(Kate), Walter Williams, Fred Williams(Benita), Deric Jones(Stracie).

And a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends.

Mrs. Joann Brown

Homegoing Services for Mrs. Joann Brown will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070. Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Pastor, will officiate.

Deaconess Joann Brown was a beloved wife, parent, sibling, and friend, whose life was a testament to kindness, perseverance, and the quiet strength that comes from living with purpose and compassion.

Born on December 7, 1955, Joann was born to the late Horace and Gladys McKiever. A proud graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Joann poured back into her community after establishing her family and took pride in the role that she played on Bus 19. Serving Lexington School District 3 for many years, she became a beacon of the community and was loved by all children who rode her bus.

Those who knew Joann would describe her as someone who brought warmth into every room, someone whose laughter could light up even the darkest of days. She lived a life grounded in love for family and friends, always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, and a heart open to those in need.

Joann was a dedicated member of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the usher board, deaconess ministry, and couples ministry. She found joy in serving others and being a comfort and shoulder to lean on. It was in the way she made others feel that her true legacy lives on - by making them feel seen, heard, and valued.

Joann was preceded in death by her brothers, James Leo McKiever, Sr. and Larry D. McKiever; brother-in-law, Julius (Annie) Richardson; and sister-in-law, Patricia Brown.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Willie Brown; her children, Willeana (Dionsyius) Kearse and Delvin (Ami) Brown. She is also survived by her brother, Deacon Jimmy (Deaconess Eva) McKiever, Sr.; sister-in-laws, Sylvia Brown, Marie Lytes, and Betty Jean McKiever; and grandchildren, Shandrai Brown, Dai’Marcus Brown, Dionysia Kearse, Mackenzie Brown, Ryan Kearse, Aleena Perez, Khloe Brown, Jaxson Williams, and Javen Brown; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as many beloved friends who are left to celebrate her life.

Almonzoe Cromer

Homegoing Services for Mr. Almonzoe Cromer will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Mark Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070. Rev. Dr. Amos O. Harling, Pastor, will officiate.

Mr. Almonzoe Cromer, son of Darlene Cromer and the late Tony Dudley, was born January 20,1981 at Newberry Memorial Hospital in Newberry SC. He departed his earthly life on Friday November 29,2024 in Clinton SC.

Almonzoe was a 2001 graduate of Newberry High School in Newberry SC. After graduating, Almonzoe came back to Batesburg to reside with his God Parents Herbert (Patisha) Small and his God Brothers Tabias Dozier and Axazier Small. During this time Almonzoe worked at Amicks Farms in Batesburg SC and Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia where he took pride in his work.

Almonzoe loved Fishing and Football— especially the Dallas Cowboys. Nobody had a bad word to say about Almonzoe. He had a heart of gold, and he loved everybody, especially his family. Almonzoe was always the life of the party. His big smile could light up any room. Even when he wasn’t feeling good, Almonzoe had to make everybody laugh.

Almonzoe health started declining after he spent several months in Lexington Medical Center due to Covid causing his kidneys to fail and him having to take dialysis. Almonzoe fought these last three years with everything he had with the help of his wife Felicia West-Cromer.

Almonzoe was preceded in death by his father, the late Tony (Paula) Dudley, and his bother Tavares Dudley.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Felicia Cromer, and Step-Daughter, Deshondria Youmans, of the home, his mother, Darlene Cromer, brothers Omar Cromer, Adrian Cromer, Terrence Dudley, Tony Dudley Jr., and Stacyce Etheredge; his sisters Tyronza Cromer and Zukera (Micheal) Moon; brothers in laws George West and Jerome (Trell) Johnson;. sisters in law, Lakeisha West and Nicole (Tony) Wright; maternal grandparents Johnny (Virginia) Cromer and Bertha White; uncles, Clayton (Allean) Dudley, Quieton Myers, Dawayne Sims, and Roderick Morris.; aunts Tonette Robinson, Dell Willaims, Kathy Cromer, Sharon Cromer, Ebony Burkett, Julie Brown, Rasheda (Beverly) Morris-Peterson; god-daughters Arie Adams, Miracle Risher, Nicole Valentine, Jashlynn Battles, Jalaysha Edmond; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Deaconess Alice Rains Rowe

Deaconess Alice Rowe, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 29, 2024, at the age of 64. Born on May 8, 1960, in Savannah, Georgia, she was the cherished daughter of Nathaniel Blige and Georgia McCrea Rodgers.

Alice was born and raised in Savannah, GA., where her sweet personality was fostered by the love of her grandmother Sarah Adams along with a host of aunts and uncles. Alice moved to Brooklyn, NY in her adolescent years where she attended James Madison High School. She also attended John Jay College for a short time where she studied criminal justice.

Many people who knew Alice knew that even though she was legally blind, she never let that stop her from experiencing the joys of life. Alice had an impeccable sense of style and always had to make sure she had her hair and nails done. Alice loved to go to parties and cut a rug doing her favorite dances like the hustle, the electric slide and the cha cha slide. She loved having fun and could light up any room she walked into with her vibrant spirit that left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Alice loved to keep her mind active and often listened to audio books as a form of entertainment. She would often call her sister Angela or her best friend Linda to discuss which books she should listen to next.

Alice also loved to travel. She would often look forward to going on trips to see family but she especially loved to go on cruises. She likened cruises to an appetizer sampler of vacations, allowing you to visit multiple destinations on one vacation. Once while on a cruise she won first place in a blind folded electric slide competition. She even once took an excursion to go onto a submarine while vacationing in Aruba with her daughter Amanda.

One of Alice’s favorite things to do was feed people. Thanksgiving was one of her favorite holidays. She would often start cooking for it as early as the Saturday before. Her holiday menu would be packed full of delicious options with something for everyone. The main ingredient used in all of her cooking was love. She would always play her oldies but goodies on her stereo while she cooked, singing along with Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Gladys Knight and many others.

Alice dedicated much of her professional life to serving her community and country as an Administrative Assistant for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Her unwavering commitment to her work reflected her deep care for the environment and future generations. She even received an Award of Excellence for her hard work and dedication to her department.

Above all, Alice’s greatest joy and pride were her four children: Charles, Donna(Trish), Donald Jr and Amanda. She poured her love and energy into raising them, fostering their growth, and celebrating their accomplishments.

Alice will be remembered for her gentle heart, her infectious smile, and her contagious laugh. Her strength, compassion, and resilience inspired everyone around her.

She leaves behind to cherish her, her beloved husband Reverend John W. Rowe, mother Georgia Mcrea Rodgers(William), sisters Angela McCann and Sarah Kirkland, brothers Imari Oliver and Wallace Oliver(Marie). Children: Charles Bains, Donna Rains, Donald Rains Jr.(Glenna), Amanda Rains. Step Children: Leon Rowe, Coricia Rowe, Eric Rowe, Bernard Rowe, Noressa Williams, Eugene Ross Jr., Stanley Ross, Earthen Ross, Jeffrey Ross, Quiana Battle. Grand Children: Daniel McKinstry, Lila Rains, Caleb Rains, Leonzo Rowe, Akari Rowe, Tatyana Rowe, Alayziah Williams, Shamad Rowe, Lyrikal Rowe, Shamya Rowe along with many aunts, uncles and friends.

A celebration of Alice’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Ridge Branch Baptist Church, located at 108 Church Cir, Ridge Spring, SC 29129. The Rev. William N. Yarber will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home 11:00AM- 6:00PM. The family will recieve family and friends. at the residence on Wildhaven Drive, Aiken , SC 29803

Mr. Larry D. McKiever

Batesburg, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. Larry D. McKiever will be held 1:00pm Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Amos O. Harling, Jr. Pastor. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Mr. Larry D. McKiever went to his eternal home on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the age of 62, at his residence. He was born on September 21, 1962, to the late Horace and Gladys McKiever. A proud graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, Larry built a dedicated career at JB Martin, where he worked until his well deserved retirement.

Larry was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, known for his passion for the game and his loyalty to his team. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love for his family, and his warm spirit. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him

He was preceded in death by his brother, James Leo McKiever, Sr. Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Larry Natron McKiever of Batesburg; one brother, Deacon Jimmy (Eva) McKiever, Sr. of Leesville; and one sister, Deaconess Joann (Deacon Willie) Brown of Leesville. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Jean McKiever of Leesville; two aunts, Maggie (Alphonso) Cobb of Connecticut and Mary Dennis of Batesburg; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, as well as many beloved friends who will miss him dearly.

Tavon O'Lonzo Waters

Batesburg-Leesville, SC — Homegoing services for Mr. Tavon Waters will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Wesley Chapel CME Church, 1501 Double Bridges Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina.

Mr. Tavon O’Lonzo Waters, 33, was born July 2, 1991 in West Columbia, South Carolina to Aaron S. Waters and Edna (Cornelius) Cheeseboro.  He transitioned on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Tavon attended Wesley Chapel CME Church, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina as a child, singing on the Children’s Choir.  He graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School in 2009.  After high school, Tavon studied for three years at South Carolina State University, then worked several jobs before his employment with Michelin Tires.  Tavon was employed by Michelin Tires for the past eight years.

Tavon was known for the smile he kept on his face, regardless of how he felt.  He loved his wife and children dearly.  He always made sure all his family, especially cousins, nieces and nephews were, in his words, “straight.”  Tavon loved everyone.

Tavon was preceded in death by grandparents, Willie and Leola Butler and four aunts – Ann Williams, Willette Jenkins, Marion Butler and Tasha Waters.

Those left to cherish his memories include:  his wife, Shareka Waters; stepsons – Antoney “Duke” Burton and Marquis Burton; daughter, Serena Waters; his mother and stepfather – Edna & Cornelius Cheeseboro; his father – Aaron Waters; brothers – Travante (Madison) Waters, Tharon Waters and Alexander Davis; sisters – Sanita Davis and Adrian Waters; two uncles, James Butler and Rev. Darryl Jenkins; two aunts, Sandra Jackson and Velma Perry; mother-in-law, Cassandra (Jamarco) Parris; father-in-law, Michael (Pam) Peterson; brother-in-law, Darvis Peterson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Willett “Big Will” Daniel Jackson

Batesburg-Leesville, SC — Homegoing services for Willett “Big Will” Jackson will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Chinquapin Baptist Church, 1416 Chinquapin Church Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.

Willett Daniel Jackson was born on December 6, 1943 to the late Louisa Madison Boyd and Willis Daniel, Jr. and raised in Saluda County, South Carolina. Willett was the youngest of eleven children, of which nine have preceded her in death, leaving one beloved sister, Elizabeth “Noochie” Edwards. The sunset of her life occurred on October 6, 2024.

Raised by her beloved grandmother, Ella Cue, in Monetta, South Carolina, Willett, affectionately known as “Big Will,” was never alone — with her brother Charles (Bertha) Denny, they made life for Ella exciting. She eventually moved to New York, where she was reintroduced to her step-dad William Simpkins, whom she enjoyed until his last days.  During her time in Hempstead, New York, Big Will truly had a village.  She met and befriended Evelyn and Clinton Williams and that friendship lasted over 40 years. She raised many children and fed many, and of course no one will allow her to live down her lessons, cooking and of course her way of having fun by being true to you and herself.  Well known for speaking her mind, Big Will truly had a heart of gold.

Big Will had two children, one who preceded her in death.

Those left behind to cherish her precious memory include:  her daughter, Vera of Atlanta; a special daughter, Mary Whitt; four grandsons, James, Jahvelle, Jahkuille and Jahntrelle; four granddaughters, Celina, Edna, Mary and Dominque; six great-grandchildren, Porsha, Yazmine, Genesis, Knowledge, Isiah, Yuri and London; two great-great-grandchildren, Paris and Kairo; nieces, Tina, Thelma, Shay, Diane, Regina, Wendy, Tavi (Chris), Ayanna (Chris), Loretta (Rick), Shirley and a host more; nephews, BT, Jaquarius, Todd, Rahkeem, Eddie and a host more; adopted grands, Jaya, Khalil “KJ”, Amare, Tamarion, Jae, Tinasja and a host of many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall

Batesburg-Leesville - Mrs. Ella Ree Dozier-Wigfall gracefully entered on Earth, the baby of fifteen children, on February 24th, 1955, in Batesburg (Saluda County), South Carolina, to the late Mr. Brazie Dozier and the late Mrs. Thelma Lowman-Dozier.  She elegantly departed this life on September 27th, 2024.

Ella Ree first received her education from the Twin City High School, then the Batesburg-Leesville High School.

 Two years after high school, Ella Ree joined in union with Mr. Anthony Wigfall, Sr. on November 29th, 1975.  Their union consisted of five children, Anthony Wigfall, Jr. of Jonesboro, Georgia, Thelmanee Wigfall of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, Joseph Wigfall  of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina and Shirlene Wigfall of Lexington County, South Carolina and the late Anthony Williams.

Mostly everyone who knew Ella Ree knew that she had an exceptional ability in gardening! Passersby would see her and her family tending to her various flower gardens on any given day.  The onlookers were constantly amazed by her gorgeous floral arrangements and often sought knowledge from Ella Ree on how they could achieve the same results.  One of her favorite tips was to apply love, patience, and a smidgen of Miracle-Gro!

Not only was Mrs. Wigfall known for her gardening but also for her ability to make people laugh. No matter the person’s mood or type of day, she’d always find a way to put a smile on their face!

For many years, Ella Ree was a member of the Christian Chapel FBH Church in Batesburg, South Carolina.  From there, she moved her membership to the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Leesville, South Carolina.  While at Christian Chapel, Ella Ree was the usher board director and the junior and senior choir director.  While at St. Mark, she was a member of the senior choir.

She was employed by Lexington County School District Three for 20 years, later for the Aiken County Public School District, and after six years of hard work and dedication, she retired. After retiring, she returned to work for the Aiken County Public School District. Mrs. Wigfall had the work ethic of no other!  She worked tirelessly to ensure her job tasks were done thoroughly. She received several awards and accolades for her work. She also assisted the family of Mr. David Sawyer, Jr. for 41 years.

Ella Ree was preceded in death by sisters - Earlene Coleman, Mary Whitt, Julie Mae Outz, and Mabel Stroman; brothers - Frank Dozier, Robert Dozier, Joseph Dozier, James Dozier, Albert Harris, and Lawrence Dozier.

In addition to her loving husband and adoring four children, Ella Ree leaves to cherish her memory, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sisters – Anna Wright and Evanise Johnson, sisters-in-law – Gladys Dozier, Louisa Burton, Willie Mae Taylor, Doris Wigfall, Priscilla Jeffcoat and Shelia Harris; brothers-in-law – Henry (Joann) Wigfall, Eddie Wigfall and Ronnie Wigfall; childhood friends - Betty Jo Etheredge and Janet Jackson, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Ella Ree administered agape love to her family, friends, and everyone she encountered. She will always be missed by those whose lives she has impacted.

Homegoing Services were held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church, 337 Devil’s Backbone Road, Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina 29070. Reverend Dr. Amos O. Harling, Jr. was the officiating pastor.

William Lee Mathis

Aiken, SC- Funeral Services for Mr. William Lee Mathis will be held 1:00pm Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Rosa Spring Baptist Church, Rosa Spring Road, Johnston, SC 29832. the Rev. Winston G. Oliphant, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday September 26, 2024 at the Amos & Sons Funeral Home 11:00am-6pm.

William Lee Mathis was called from his earthly life to his Heavenly home on September 19, 2024. He was born to William “Bruh” Mathis and Annie Belle Payton Mathis on January 6, 1982 in Edgefield County, SC.

Lee attended Edgefield County School System.

He was a man who loved to work with his hands and he love to see beauty in the thing he had contact with. Lee also loved to refurnish used goods. But, he specialized in Lawn care .

He leaves to love honor and cherish his memory, his children, Jayquan Mathis, Derisee Mathis and Cassidy Mathis,; his mother Annie Belle Mathis; siblings, Annie Lee Mathis, (Roy), Aiken, SC, Stacie Johnsto, Edgefield, SC, Gunza Lee Mathis Aiken, SC, Keith Mathis, Edgefield, SC Dennis Key(Chan) Johnston, SC, and many other family and friends.